Windows 7: the good, the bad & the unknown

What's right and wrong with Microsoft's new OS

With the Windows 7 release date quickly approaching, we look at what Microsoft got right and where it went wrong with its new OS.

When it comes to Microsoft's new operating system Windows 7, October 22 is the day that you can finally get your hands on the software, and migrate your PC to the new OS.

However, for some, D-Day has already arrived. Microsoft has issued the final RTM (release to manufacturing) version of Windows 7 to large companies that buy Windows via volume licences, as well as to IT pros who belong to its Technet service. The Windows Vista era is officially drawing to a close - although you could argue that it never really quite started - and the Windows 7 one is under way.

And that promises to be a good thing, whether you're a satisfied Vista user, a disgruntled one, or a Windows XP holdout who has been waiting for something better. Windows 7 feels like an anti-Vista. Unlike that OS, for instance, it doesn't try to dazzle you with flashy new visual effects.

With the removal of Vista applications such as Photo Gallery and Movie Maker, Win 7 actually does fewer things than Vista did. Even its unprepossessing name is a change from the epic-sounding monikers that began with the unfortunate Windows Millennium Edition.

But Windows 7's lack of glitz is a huge part of its appeal. Unlike the increasingly chaotic and annoying Microsoft OSes that preceded it, Windows 7 is designed to stay out of your way so that you can get stuff done.

It smartly addresses Windows annoyances both new (User Account Control) and old (the system tray). And the final version I've been using seems to realise the promise of the rough drafts we started testing last October.

Windows 7 isn't without its warts, but I haven't been so impressed by a new Microsoft operating system since Windows 2000 debuted close to a decade ago. Here's a quick look at some of its best features, a few drawbacks, and areas where reserving judgment makes sense.

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jacko 2 said: I have run the W7 evaluation pack for the last three months had no problem with it all my hardware works with it my software some of it will work some wontI prefer the classic view in control panel i dontlike everything pushed under a smaller number of icons if your eyesite isnt as good as it use tobe it can be a pain finding what your looking for

charles stone said: Click the link saying that Windows 7 Home version us 6498 and you will find that they want over 125

thom said: LindaMicrosoft have told me to tell my customers to head to microsoftcomupgradeoffer after the 23rd october to get the upgrade

Linda said: just purchsed a new hp and supposed to get the windows 7 upgrade free but have no idea where to startcan anyone help as to what i should do as i found no instructions in box for this upgradeThanks

WM said: quotearw said on Sunday 16 August 2009Just buy a Mac instead Then youll be one step ahead of Windows forever as Microsoft follows where Apple leadsquoteIf I told that to all of my customers who needed assistance I would look like a fool There are times when a Mac could work well Game Design but most times I want to run all my favorite programs including games and emulators Its easier and cheaper to piece together a PC than it is for a MacAs for Windows 7 I think it will be the replacment Operating System for the majority of businesses and gamers

Laurie said: Ive used most OSs - from Windows 101 DOS amp even CPM and am currently running XP Vista OSX 104 and Ubuntu desktop and server on various PCsHowever unlike all the detractors Im one of a very large minority that actually likes Vista but thought I would give Windows 7 a shotAlthough I can see its appeal it doesnt seem to fit with me - I just could do with Windows Classic modeNow Ive read that we must all move on and get use to the new interface thats been around since XP but as an engineer for many UK publicprivate sector contracts with 250K PCs signed off in my name over the years I feel that the lack of the Classic View may be Microsofts killer mistake for the these environmentsDoes anyone think that corporate and government agencies are going to move over to a shiny new OS when it means re-training their entire workforce to use a completely unfamiliar interface - the expense and training is very expensive will far outway any of the benefits

smithy95 said: sorry to double post but reading back it sounds like Im a windows fanboy believe me Im not Ive tried all three major OSes on the market mac windows and linux and always gone back to windows because I prefer its flexibility even with the failed attempt at UAC on vista to be honest this review of windows 7 as it stands pre-release at the moment is spot on

smithy95 said: why buy a mac theyre a computer designed for kids who just want to be told how to use a computer windows offers so much more freedom ok I hate windows vista even though it surprisingly was an improvement over xp on my system windows 7 though offers so much more freedom its unbelievable and it is so easy to use as well that I cant think of any reason to buy an expensive mac when microsoft is finally getting it right with windows besides why change a habit of a lifetime and move away from a gaming system for a mac that runs hardly any of the games I play in fact I can only count one game that I have that works on both mac and windows and thats sims 3 to be honest Id rather an OS that does it all instead of one that does one thing but not the rest and at the moment thats windows

arw said: Just buy a Mac instead Then youll be one step ahead of Windows forever as Microsoft follows where Apple leads